Ratio Comparisons

Expressing the relationship between two values as a ratio.

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Expressing the relationship between two values as a ratio.

A ratio compares two quantities by division. The ratio of A to B is written as A:B or A/B. Unlike percentages (which compare to 100), ratios directly compare two specific values. Ratios can be simplified (like fractions) and are useful for understanding relative magnitudes.

ratio of A to B = A / B (or A : B)

If A = 100 and B = 50, ratio = 100/50 = 2 (or 2:1)
Sales of 300 vs 150 → ratio = 2:1 (twice as much)
Ratio of 60:40 simplifies to 3:2

How to recognize it

Questions asking 'what is the ratio of X to Y'
Comparing relative sizes of two categories
Questions about 'how many times larger/smaller'

Common mistakes

Reversing the order (A:B vs B:A gives different ratios)
Not simplifying when asked for simplest form
Confusing ratio with difference (ratio is division, not subtraction)

Step-by-step walkthrough

The bar chart compares two products. What is the ratio of Product A to Product B?

Read Product A's value from the chart: 300 units
Read Product B's value from the chart: 150 units
To find the ratio A:B, divide A by B: 300 ÷ 150
Calculate: 300 ÷ 150 = 2
Express as a ratio: 2:1 (A is twice as large as B)

Answer: 2:1

Practice guidance

Data Interpretation